are those baby walker things a good idea?

[laligo]

ds is 4 months and loves loves LOVES to stand up - cue sore arms from holding him under the armpits for hours while he stands up and takes mini steps/kicks legs etc. he gets bored lying down on gym and he's just starting to sit unaided for a few seconds. a baby walker seems like a good option but i've got a vague feeling i've heard somewhere they're not good for babies' development, or something... is that true? has anyone got one and does it get a lot of use? we have sanded floors and rugs - will it even work?

they re not good if you leave them upstairs without a stairgate. also,babies tend to walk later witha baby walker!
but, they are great if you use them so baby can actually see stuff. and also as an extra high chair when an older baby is over and they have the high chair.
you can get things that do the job you want, without the wheels. ill see if i can find something and do a link

not a walker, but this may be what you are looking for

I've got this which lets baby stand up. It is great and keeps them entertained for hours, but I am still tempted to get a walker too!

I've got that doorway bouncer too, pretty good, btu a bit fiddly putting baby in and out and entertainment value not quite so good. Baby gets bored sooner.

this and the ones at the bottom of this page are probly more the sort of thing you are looking for

thanks - hadn't realised there were ones that don't move. (no stairs though stitch so that's not an issue.) but these all say from 6 months-ish... do you think it would be ok sooner if he can hold himself up? he's big for his age.

Most babies under a year who have accidents, have them because of baby walkers.

I can't remember when or where I read that, but they are highly associated with accidents in young children. The wheels mean they can go faster than the baby can - not good news.

so a stationary one would avoid the accidents? can a baby tip out of a stationary one?

w've been using the leapfrog thing from about 3-4 mnths - as soon as they could support their heads well.

and no, they cant tip out, the base is very solid and heavy. Plus it is height ajustable.